EMERGING PROSPECT: ATLANTA
April 17, 2016 by Adrian Okezie
2 weeks ago a little birdie whispered to me “ That number 15, HE can go!” then another echoed, “Oh yeah… lil man is a player.” All I needed was that bit of info but being a hoops addict — I had to see it first hand at the Georgia AAU State finals.
First play of the game, I knew TNBC was in for a match. Kannan Carlyle drove, elevated and dimed off to a teammate for two. Next play that wowed me was a steal and an NBA range 3 bomb.
Those two who previously made me aware of Carlyle were no ordinary birdies. They were two upper level guys connected to the Atlanta Celtics and Adidas Uprising ,who have seen and produced players from the grassroots to the Pros.
They were more than right.
Kannan Carlyle plays for one of Georgia’s up and coming grassroots powerhouse’s — J3.
His skill set and in game IQ is prime evidence of his experience and training regimen.
At Focus Sports Academy with his dad, Carlyle trains 3 days per week — two per day, morning and after school.
As a 5th grader, he started PG for Pebblebrook’s 7th grade team, finishing in the Elite 8 of the heralded Georgia middle school league, CCJBC , clocking 40+ games and only 6 losses this season. In addition to the school season— Kannan’s travel team is competing throughout the Southeast February through July — taking on all challengers.
In the GA AAU state tournament, Kannan,also known as “K9” due to his tenacity and grit, was a creator, defender and the gel of a loaded J3 roster all weekend. “ He just works hard to get it done, said his dad. He’s always been gritty and aggressive. I told him if he keeps that mentality up with his skill set, it will pay off in the long run”.
J3 cruised to the finals finishing 6–0 after defeating the Atlanta Celtics in the Semis and TNBC to win the State title. Carlyle was instrumental in the victory as a major catalyst on both ends of the floor.
As always, I write to inform, not to predict. Kannan has what I call a relentless pursuit of productivity and it will give him a competitive edge on the court. Please keep this young player on your radar as he takes this adventure up into the High School conversation. #runnareport
